XBOX 360 OWNERS - MAJOR NELSON WANTS YOU

Yes, he wants you - he wants you bad... but only for your mind. In Microsoft's continuing efforts to keep Xbox Live at the top of the online service food chain, Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb has put out a call to Xbox 360 owners to write in with suggestions on how the company can improve Xbox Live, Xbox.com and the Xbox 360 itself.

While we can debate whether or not Microsoft actually plans on listening to any of the feedback it gets or if they're just trying to drum up some positive PR, there's no question that this move is going to generate a lot of responses - if there's one thing gamers are, it's opinionated. Personally, I'd like to see the following added to the roster;

• Sell a larger hard drive - at a normal cost - Sorry guys, but not only is the Xbox 360 standard hard drive entirely too small, but charging $99.99 for a 20gb hard drive is insane.
• Sell Microsoft points in smaller lots - Because when you want to buy a 400 point Live Arcade game, but only have 380 Microsoft points remaining in your account, being forced to buy 500 more points is not customer friendly.
• Sell an Xbox 360 Live Arcade stick - preferable one that would feature 2 joysticks where at least the main stick was also 4/8 way switchable. (Like the Ultimarc Mag-Stick Plus) - Because playing a lot of the Xbox Live Arcade games with the standard controller is a chore.
• Allow RedOctane to make the Guitar Hero II X-Plorer guitar wireless - This should be self explanatory.
• Add requirements for game packaging - I'm sorry, but every year the instructions to Madden become smaller and smaller. Madden '07's instructions were actually just controller diagrams... and then EA had the nerve to sell online "guides" on how to play the game. Look, the game had virtually no instructions, no tutorial and then EA wanted money to teach people how to play the game. Situations like that are just an all-around black-eye to Xbox Live, the 360, Microsoft and most importantly your customers.
• Fully test Dashboard updates before they're released - This isn't the PC industry guys, every piece of hardware you have out there is fundamentally the same. There's no reason an update should ever brick a system.
• Release complete games - and force third parties to do so as well - This is another huge issue with the next-gen consoles - the constant patching. The reason console gamers play consoles is specifically to avoid the headaches of constant patches, bugs and the like - but developers are starting to get a little lazy. Perhaps some forced quality assurance testing? I cannot honestly believe that Madden '07 was properly tested if something as large as the fatigue bug could get through the process.
• Arrange/Sort items in the Live Marketplace better - While I haven't checked in awhile, there were quite a few games that had entirely too many related items for sale or download, making finding what you were looking for a bit tedious. Why not separate those items into subfolders? I remember at one point, you would have to scroll through tons of Basketball, Hockey, Baseball and Football gamer pictures just to see what else was available.
• Improve the ease with which Windows Media Player Connect can interface with the 360 - Neither I, my friends or the people at both 1-800-4MYXBOX or the general Microsoft Windows support line could ever figure out how to get it working on my system.

So that's my wish list, and I plan on tacking it onto the current thread over at the Major's blog. If you want to make your opinion heard, head over to the post at this link to put your 25 cents worth into the coin box.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS: HEAVY WEAPON: ATOMIC TANK

It's Wednesday, and you know what that means... No wiseass, it's not Prince Spaghetti Day, it's time for a new Xbox Live Arcade title to hit the Marketplace. This week, Microsoft brings us PopCap's Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank, and I'll be the first one to admit that I don't know much about the game beyond the fact that it's been explained by many as being "like Metal Slug".

While I absolutely love the Metal Slug series, I'm always wary whenever people say something is "like" something else, because that usually means two things;

1. It's probably a cheap knock-off of whatever it's supposed to be mimicking - and therefore nowhere near as good.
2. There are enough fundamental differences that separate it from being the title it's apparently based on - probably enough to kill whatever concept makes the inspiration for it so special.

As with all Live Arcade games, this one will have a free demo available, so be sure to try before you buy. Here are the details as per Xbox.com;

Title: Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank
Developer: PopCap Games
Publisher: PopCap Games
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/17/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Xbox Live: Yes
HDTV Support: 720p
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
ESRB Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank unleashes adrenaline-soaked side-scrolling shoot-'em-up arcade action. With a blast of retro eighties videogame chic, Heavy Weapon brings classic shooter action and explosive power to Xbox Live® Arcade.

Fight through 19 story-based missions to upgrade six different weapon banks, or jump into instant action with the blazing Survival mode. Grab your friends and storm across enemy lines in co-operative multiplayer modes! Are you ready for the furious fun of Heavy Weapon?

• Game modes: Prepare for three action-packed game modes: Mission, Survival, and the brand new Boss Rush mode!
• Mission: Play your way through 19 exciting missions, invading countries and beating challenging bosses along the way.
• Survival: How long can you last against ever-increasing waves of enemies?
• Boss Rush: Exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade, challenge all the bosses of Heavy Weapon in succession!
• Multiplayer mayhem: Jump in to intense multiplayer action with up to four players, exclusively in Xbox Live Arcade!
• Weapons variety: Use six upgradeable secret weapons on 19 missions with nukes, mega-lasers, and more.
• Online features: Enjoy voice chat with your friends while battling together. Online leaderboards let you track your mission results.
• Amazing visuals: The enhanced sound effects and original score draw you into the game. Prepare for expanded mayhem with full high-definition widescreen support."- Xbox.com

As for last week's release of Ms. Pac-Man, as I predicted, the 360's d-pad is the main detriment to the title and those 4 way control issues that virtually ruined Pac-Man are back in force. You have been warned. Nothing - and I mean NOTHING - is as frustrating as coming close to breaking a friend's high score but failing because you turned the wrong way thanks to poor controls. (Can you tell this happened to me a few times already?)

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: GOD OF WAR II PREVIEW

With tonight's midnight release of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, it should come as no surprise that instead of a ton of news, you're getting a video. I lost interest with WoW awhile back, and I'm really interested to see if the expansion is going to renew my love of the game. I'm not leaving you in bad hands today though, as I've got a video from IGN's interview with Cory Barlog, director of God of War II, to tide you over while I get reacquainted with Azeroth.

Barlog touches a bit on the story and enhancements behind Kratos' second adventure while showing off some footage of the much anticipated title. Let's take a look;

While we're on the subject of God of War II and Cory Barlog, a recent post by Barlog in his blog (as pointed out by Kikizo Games) indicates that Sony may be getting ready to send out NTSC demo discs of the game. While his comments indicate he collected a list of people to send the demo out to some time ago, it wouldn't surprise me if Sony sent the same demo out to PlayStation Underground members as they did with the first game. As such, you may want to make sure your PlayStation Underground account sees some activity to ensure they know you're still around. (I've found that the more often you update your Underground account, the more often you get stuff from Sony)

God of War II will be released exclusively on the PlayStation 2 on March 13th, 2007 in North America and has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Here are some links for your surfing enjoyment;

• God of War II - Official website
• God of War II Hands-on - IGN
• IGN Interview with Cory Barlog - YouTube
• No God of War II Demo for Europe - Kikizo Games
• GOW2...Grandma Approved - Don't play games with me (Cory Barlog's blog)
• Wouldn't you like to know what this link is - I'm not telling, but it's funny.

Still no video support in the archives, so use the YouTube link above.

THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL 2 MILLION POINT GIVEAWAY ENDS TODAY

Well gang, this is it - the last day of The Discovery Channel's 2 million point giveaway. If you're still looking to play, tonight's game is going to take a little more effort on your part. You'll need to watch the premiere episode of Future Weapons and then head over to the Future Weapons website after 10:01pm EST. Once there in addition to just giving your name and contact information, you'll need to answer a few questions about the episode you just watched. Here are some more specifics as per the Future Weapons website;

"To enter online, visit www.readyaimfuture.com after 10:01 P.M. Eastern Time (“ET”) on 1/15/07 (“Promotion Entry Period 2”) and follow all online entry instructions to complete and submit the online entry. Online entrants will be prompted to answer a question pertaining to the content of the Future Weapons premiere on Discovery Channel 1/15/07 9:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) to qualify for prize.  Online entrants subject to all notices posted online including but not limited to privacy policy." - Future Weapons contest rules

Good luck to all who have entered!

THIS WEEK'S RELEASES: JANUARY 15TH - JANUARY 21ST

While it's another thin list this week, there are a couple of titles worth pointing out. Let's get the obvious out of the way first - World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade hits retail shelves this week and should be the sales equivalent of a nuclear bomb. While I've listed both the standard edition and the collector's edition of the game, you should be aware that unless you've already pre-ordered the collector's edition, You probably don't even have a snowballs chance in hell of finding it in the stores. Beyond that, Nintendo DS owners get to go back to the courtroom with Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All, while Nintendo Wii owners get to play around with Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. Here's everything you can probably expect to see on store shelves this week;

• Great Invasions - PC - 1/16/2007
  
• Underground Pool - DS - 1/16/2007
  
• Wario Ware: Smooth Moves - WII - 1/16/2007
  
• Close Quarters Conflict - PC - 1/17/2007
  
• Fossil League Dino Tournament - DS - 1/17/2007
  
• Hexic Deluxe - PC - 1/17/2007
  
• Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All - DS - 1/17/2007
  
• The Shield - PC - 1/17/2007
  
• World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade - PC - 1/17/2007
  
• World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade - Collector's Edition - PC - 1/17/2007
  
• NCAA March Madness 07 - 360 - 1/18/2007
  
• NCAA March Madness 07 - PS2 - 1/18/2007

One other note - those of you who have pre-ordered World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade may want to check with your local store to see if they'll be participating in Monday nights launch event. (Some stores will be allowing pre-orders to be picked up at 12:01am on Tuesday, January 16th)

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL 2 MILLION POINT GIVEAWAY CONTINUES

Okay gang, stage two of The Discovery Channel's Xbox Live 2 Million Point Giveaway has begun. If you missed out on signing up yesterday, all you have to do is head over to the Future Weapons website and follow the directions to enter the contest. A total of 500,000 points will be awarded today in 400 point increments. From what I can see, will be assigned randomly to those who signed up for the contest. Winners will be notified of their status in a few days - you will not know instantly if you've been selected. From what I can see, the contest is limited to one entry per person, so if you signed up yesterday, your cannot sign up again today. I could be wrong on that, but that's the way I read the rules.

The second stage of the contest will be open until 11:59pm EST tonight - check the promotional site for the rules and specifics.

So if you still haven't thrown your hat into the ring for your piece of the 2 million point pie, be sure to visit the Future Weapons contest site at this link to play.

THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL 2 MILLION POINT GIVEAWAY BEGINS

Okay gang, stage one of The Discovery Channel's Xbox Live 2 Million Point Giveaway has begun. For this stage of the promotion, all you have to do is head over to the Future Weapons website and follow the directions to enter the contest. A total of 500,000 points will be awarded today in 400 point increments. From what I can see, will be assigned randomly to those who signed up for the contest. Winners will be notified of their status in a few days - you will not know instantly if you've been selected.

The first stage of the contest will be open until 11:59pm EST tonight - check the promotional site for the rules and specifics.

So there ya have it, stop reading the news and head on over to the Future Weapons contest site at this link to play.

INSIDE THE LOST PLANET COLLECTOR'S EDITION BOX

I'll admit it - When it's a game I'm excited about, I'm a total whore for collector's editions and pre-order goodies. Needless to say, I pre-ordered the collector's edition of Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition from Gamestop and figure I'd share some pictures of what you get for your money. When checking out the pictures below, keep in mind that the PTX-40R Vital Suit action figure does NOT come with the collector's edition of the game, but was offered as a bonus for pre-ordering the game at Gamestop.

The Lost Planet Collector's Edition includes the following;

• The game
• The instruction manual
• A soft cover art book
• A bonus CD which includes the Lost Planet soundtrack, game trailers, wallpaper, etc.
• A card containing a code for a free 48 hour trial of Xbox Live Gold Membership.
• A card containing a code for the exclusive multiplayer map that comes with the collector's edition

Click on the thumbnails below to see larger versions of each picture.

While we're on the subject of Lost Planet, am I the only who one finds it utterly hilarious that while everyone else is bundled up against the cold, Luka is walking around with her jacket partially unbuttoned, giving everyone a great view of her cleavage? Hey, I'm a guy - I notice these things.

XBOX 360 DASHBOARD THEME PREVIEW IMAGES

Have you ever thought about buying one of the Xbox 360 dashboard themes from the Live Marketplace but stopped because there was no way to see what it would look like before you bought it? I have, and I'm glad to see that someone out there has decided to do something about it. Dashboard Themes is collecting images of each set of dashboard themes and making them available for your viewing pleasure - why it had to come down to 360 fans doing it instead of Microsoft I can't tell you, but I'm sure glad someone is making the effort.

Click here to head on over to Dashboard Themes and check out what's available for the 360. Before you run off and spend money over in the Marketplace, just remember that even though you'll be limited to only one image for all the blades, you can make your own Dashboard Theme without spending a penny - click here to head back to our post on how to do it.

NYKO TO RELEASE GUITAR HERO ADAPTER FOR PLAYSTATION 3

I came across this bit of great news over at Kotaku the other day. If you've been following the news on the PlayStation 3, you've probably heard that because of the unique controller used for the Guitar Hero series, both Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II do not work with the PlayStation 3's backwards compatibility feature. RedOctane had previously mentioned that they could see no way around the issue and that unfortunately, PS3 owners were just going to have to either miss out on Guitar Hero or play it on the PlayStation 2.

Well, word from Nyko is that they've found a way to get RedOctane's shred-fest running on the PS3, and the answer comes in the form of the Nyko Play Adapter. According to Kotaku's Michael McWhertor, Nyko's sales reps have confirmed that the adapter will allow gamers to use their guitar peripherals with the PlayStation 3. Awesome news indeed.

Click here to head over to Kotaku and get the full head's up on this story.